Epidemiology Program

Mission Statement:

To develop or enhance regional epidemiology services for the rapid detection and control of disease outbreaks or other adverse health outcomes. This includes evaluating, enhancing and when necessary creating new surveillance and investigation systems, analyzing data, preparing recommendations and working with appropriate programs to implement interventions for desired outcomes.

Program Overview:

The Epidemiology Program conducts disease surveillance and coordinates reporting of notifiable conditions. To reduce and prevent the spread of infectious disease the Epidemiology program provides education and resources to health professionals and the public. The Epidemiology program monitors disease incidence in Region 7 to develop and analyze statistical data to determine at-risk populations and geographical locations of occurrences.

The program consists of the Epidemiology Response Team (ERT), which is charged with developing and coordinating bioterrorism plans in the region. The ERT works in collaboration with local health departments, hospitals, health agencies and government entities to develop plans to respond to bioterrorism events in their counties. The ERT will respond to any bioterrorism event in Region 7, and through out the state of Texas as necessary.